Tomohiro Nishikado, a pivotal figure in gaming history, reflects on his groundbreaking work at Taito, particularly his creation of Space Invaders. He elaborates on the early days of game design, initially focused on arcade games with mechanical elements and the eventual transition to software-driven gaming.

Nishikado started his career with Taito by creating games that leveraged mechanical components, but he quickly recognized the potential of electronic gaming. As he admired the simplistic genius of Atari’s Pong, he sought to develop innovative video games, including soccer and basketball games that featured human characters—an unprecedented move at the time.

Reflecting on the development of Space Invaders, Nishikado discusses how the game drew inspiration from various influences, including cinematic works like Star Wars. He recalls the initial resistance from Taito’s sales team, who doubted the marketability of electronic games, often stating that “these things will never sell.”

Despite these challenges, Space Invaders revolutionized the arcade gaming landscape upon its release in 1978, leading to worldwide acclaim and success. Nishikado’s journey showcases the creative process behind one of the best-selling games of all time, as he encourages future developers to focus on game fun rather than mere graphics. Throughout his reflections, he highlights the need for innovation and the vital role of passionate game design over commercial pressures.

In closing, Nishikado emphasizes his belief that new game creators should look to the past—playing and learning from older games—finding the essence of gameplay that resonates with audiences.